Working in a vacuum can become pretty fruitless quickly. There is the lure of the computer screen and our mobile devices. I look at these as places we work and collaborate. They help me output what needs to happen.
However, the places where I get inspired, expand perspective and feel creative are away from the technology. I have to force myself to pull away sometimes, but it is well worth it. I find that moving around doing something unrelated is very effective towards getting clear and getting work done.
Sometimes, it is simply getting up and walking for 15 minutes and not think about anything. Other times, it may mean going to a coffee shop with my Kindle and reading for a while. Or, it could mean playing with my kids in a game of tag.
Another way I get an extreme creativity and productivity boost is to go trail running. I break a sweat, get my heart rate up and have to focus on roots and rocks lest I take a hard fall. It all makes me feel alive.
I guess what I have learned over the years is that moving and getting away from the workspace does not mean we are not working. Knowledge work happens in our heads and hearts. It means getting away and giving ourselves space to think and take in other thoughts and senses.
It’s a bit of a paradox. You need to get things done, but you can go faster if you get away for a bit.
There’s a lot of work every day undoubtedly, but what if you try moving and make it a practice? You might actually be more efficient and get clear. Let me know how it works for you and what you like to do.
